Unprecedented growth shapes Pittsylvania County’s long-range planning efforts
Pittsylvania County, Virginia, is undergoing a major update to its comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance, which haven't been thoroughly revised in decades. This effort is driven by unprecedented growth and the emergence of new land uses like data centers, which are not addressed in the current zoning code. The county aims to complete these planning documents by early 2027 to guide future development and align with economic growth goals.
Pittsylvania County, Virginia, is undertaking significant revisions to its long-range planning documents, including its comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance, which have not seen thorough updates in decades. Assistant County Administrator Dave Arnold noted that archaic regulations struggle to address emerging land uses, citing data center proposals that lack guidance in the existing zoning ordinance as an example.
The county initially prioritized the zoning ordinance update but has since reverted to the traditional approach of completing the comprehensive plan first. This guiding document, last updated in 2010, outlines the county's vision for future infrastructure, housing, economic development, and environmental resources. Pittsylvania hired Charlottesville-based civil engineering firm Line and Grade as a consultant for the comprehensive plan rewrite, supported by a grant from the Danville Regional Foundation.
Residents provided input through meetings and surveys, expressing a desire for smart, sustainable growth that protects agricultural land and rural identity. Line and Grade developed a vision statement and six focus areas for the plan, which is currently in its second phase, involving policy setting and the drafting of a future land use map. This map will subsequently guide the overhaul of the zoning ordinance, which has not had a rewrite since 1991.
Concurrently, the Pittsylvania County Industrial Development Authority and the Danville-Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority are developing separate economic development strategic plans. These plans will complement the comprehensive plan by focusing on attracting companies like Stack Infrastructure, which recently located to the Berry Hill megasite, and addressing housing needs for an expanding workforce. The county anticipates the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance updates, along with the economic development plans, to be finalized by early 2027.